Former Nokia exec charged with stopping 4G jamming freeview

A former Nokia chief has been appointed as chief executive of the organisation tasked to prevent people's Freeview TV signal being jammed by new 4G networks.

Antony Savvas
February 11, 2013

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A former Nokia chief has been appointed as chief executive of the organisation tasked to prevent people's Freeview TV signal being jammed by new 4G networks.

Simon Beresford-Wylie has been appointed CEO of the not-for-profit Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited (DMSL). DMSL was formed in October 2012 by mobile operators EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

Beresford-Wylie said: “DMSL plans to pre-empt the majority of potential interference issues caused by 4G at 800 MHz and existing TV services. We’re focused on being able to provide anyone who may be affected with the information and equipment they’ll need to ensure they continue to receive free-to-air TV.”

From 2009 to 2012 Beresford-Wylie was CEO of smart meter company Elster Group, overseeing its initial public share offering in 2010 and its subsequent acquisition by Melrose Group in 2012.

Prior to this Beresford-Wylie led the formation of Nokia Siemens Networks as its chief executive from 2007 to 2009.

DMSL’s ultimate ownership and funding will be based on the successful bidders in the 4G spectrum auction, which is expected to take place in the spring.

With the switch-over of TV services to digital, a band of frequencies previously used by TV is being made available for new mobile services. This includes the 800 MHz band currently being auctioned by Ofcom to mobile operators for 4G services.

In certain circumstances it is possible that new 4G services at 800 MHz could interfere with some existing terrestrial digital TV signals. DMSL’s role is to ensure that people will receive their existing Freeview TV services when 4G is provided.

It is said 4G services operating in higher frequency bands, such as 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz, do not have the potential to impact Freeview.